CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS AT SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS.
By Stephen N. Haskell
SUNDAY, December 26, was a good day for the church in South Lancaster. In harmony with the recommendations of the General Conference Committee, this time was appointed for the contribution of Christmas offerings to the various objects set before our people during the holidays. The general meeting of the New England Conference, which convened on the 24th, had called in many of the brethren and sisters from all parts of the Conference. During the Sabbath a general interest was manifested in the words spoken. The appeal for that day was read in the morning service, and in the afternoon a missionary sermon was preached, after which envelopes for the Christmas offerings were distributed. At the close of the Sabbath, after the house was vacated, it was taken possession of by a committee appointed to prepare it for the services on the morrow. Nine o'clock Sunday morning saw the building well filled with resident and visiting brethren, and on entering a pleasing scene greeted the eyes, as willing hearts and ready fingers had been busily employed in arranging decorations fitting the occasion. Over the pulpit was a large arch bearing the words of Christ, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Above this arch, expressed by the aid of a gilded cross and crown, was the sentiment, "No cross, no crown;" while suspended below in the form of a triangle were the words, "European, South African, and Australian Missions." In deep frames beneath this were two miniature ships, emblematic of the vessels which are to carry our men and means to these foreign fields, or perhaps to direct our minds to the time when it may be in the providence of God that missionary ships shall be manned by our people, and, freighted with the printed truths of God's word, shall be enlisted solely in the service of Him of whom it is said, "The isles shall wait for his law." Then truly it can be said:—25"The breath of God is in her sail, Her rudder in his hand." Tastefully arranged upon the walls were appropriate mottoes, as: "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord;" "I will pay the vows which my lips have uttered;" "Honor the Lord with thy substance;" "The earth is the Lord's;" "Bring ye the tithes into the storehouse;" "I will surely give a tenth unto thee;" "The tithe is the Lord's." While expressive of one object of the donations were the mottoes: "Remember them in bonds as bound with them," and, "For ye had compassion of me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance." Services opened by singing, "Bringing in the Sheaves;" and, following prayer, remarks were made upon 1 Chron. 29—an occasion when David and the people praised God that they were able to contribute so freely of their substance to the building of the temple. Elder B. L. Whitney, of the Central European Mission, mentioned, as illustrative of the opening providence of God, a call from the Argentine Republic, South America, by Sabbath-keepers who have accepted the truth through reading matter, and wish a minister sent them who can speak in the French language. They promise to support such an one; but there is no one to send. Another incident was related of a young man who has accepted the truth and steadfastly adhered to it amidst bitter opposition, and who now wishes to renounce a fairly lucrative position to work in the cause; but because of the straitened circumstances of the foreign missions, they had felt unable to employ him. An earnest plea for prayers and co-operation in behalf of his people was made by a young French brother of Canada, followed by remarks upon the Scandinavian work by a Swedish brother who has recently accepted the truth in Boston. The earnest and heartfelt words of these two brethren, spoken in earnest, though broken English, appealed to our sympathies, and the many moist eyes in the congregation showed that the melting Spirit of God was there, and those present could but rejoice that they were permitted to have a part in contributing to the advancement of the truth among those of other nationalities. Envelopes for contributions had previously been distributed, but during these remarks, some, whose hearts were touched, broke the seals and added further donations, or else called for other envelopes. Professor Ramsey spoke in behalf of the school, stating that quite a per cent. of the students were studying with the idea of directly engaging in the work. After the song, "Give to the Lord," the congregation passed up the aisle and deposited their envelopes in a paper ship. While a short sermon was being preached, a committee counted the precious cargo, and announced as the result, $824.57 in cash, and two rings, one a wedding and the other an engagement ring. It was announced that the ship would not sail until the following week, so it is hoped that the sum will be raised to exceed a thousand dollars. In the afternoon a Bible-reading was held on the subject of "Praising God;" and a general praise meeting followed, in which the testimonies from many hearts responsive to the love of God, told of praise and thanksgiving to him. A colored brother touched the hearts of all by his feeling testimony of gratitude to God that the truth which he loved was being carried to his people. It was truly a praise meeting, to which the melting Spirit of God bore witness, and we could but look forward to the time when the nations of them that are saved, shall with one voice praise God before his throne. This was a day long to be remembered in the New England Conference, and we trust its influence will not soon be lost to us, or to those who may rejoice to know how God has blessed his people here. We can truly say that God has met with us, and we trust will continue with us. The meetings will continue until January 3, and classes will be organized for instruction in the various phases of the missionary work. Special attention will be given to the Sabbath-school work, and to the matter of instructing in methods by which the churches themselves can carry on a missionary work with their friends and neighbors in a systematic manner. S. N. H. South Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 27, 1886.